Whenever we visited Texas, my husband had always wanted to visit the Broken Spoke---a dance hall and "honky tonk" that has featured many country/western performers since 1964. He is a fan of classic country music--not so much modern. I can take small amounts, but don't really appreciate it.
Austin has been in a period of explosive growth, and many uniquely Austin businesses have been bulldozed for high rises and condos. The last time we passed the Broken Spoke it was sitting in the middle of a whirlstorm of activity----a modest little red frame building surrounded by construction.
We wondered how it could survive much longer. Obviously the ground it's sitting on is very valuable.
So we decided to have lunch and take a few photos before it disappears.
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ReplyDeleteThe place must be popular to resist what is happening around it. When Ernest Tubb was young he lived in Seymour, TX He'd hitch a ride with his guitar to Wichita Falls, where his aunt and uncle had a cafe not far from where my grandmother lived. He'd hang out at the cafe and play and sing for the lunch crowd.
Nice memory, Bill.--Austin had a reputation for live music--and many musicians hung out at the local bars and night clubs. I think many still do, but, of course, it's a new crowd and new music.
ReplyDeleteIt's changing so fast that it's painful to watch. But it seems to be prospering, and I guess that's a positive in this crazy economy.
The music industry has changed. Club life has changed mostly everywhere. I think this Broken Spoke used to be on South Lamar in Austin or am I wrong?
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Yes, it is on Lamar---my son just told me that it is filled with customers nightly and still popular--holding on to icon of Austin.
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